7 Limitations of GPT-4o Image Generation

What GPT-4o Image Generation Still Can’t Do (Yet)

ChatGPT-4o's image generation capabilities are a big step forward for AI creativity—but they’re not without limits. While it shines in stylized and imaginative outputs, many users are discovering frustrating gaps in functionality when applying it to real-world use cases like photorealistic edits or design work.

From inconsistent backgrounds to struggles with face accuracy, GPT-4o's image generation often falls short in professional and precise workflows. Some limitations are intentional (e.g., copyright filters), while others are simply signs the tech isn’t quite ready to replace your favorite image editor.

Let's break down seven key limitations of GPT-4o’s image generation and explore why tools like Photoshop or MidJourney still dominate in certain creative and commercial applications.

GPT-4o Is Not a Photoshop Replacement

Claim: AI-generated edits mean you can ditch traditional software.

Reality: GPT-4o struggles with precision and fidelity.

• Attempting to add or edit elements often leads to unintended changes in unrelated areas.
• Object layout, facial features, and backgrounds are inconsistent—even when prompted specifically.
• For real-world, detailed editing tasks, it simply doesn’t meet the standards set by traditional tools like Photoshop.

Issues with Transparent Backgrounds

Even though GPT-4o supports transparent background generation, the results aren’t always trustworthy.

• Inconsistencies in mouth shapes, colors, or character details are common.
• OpenAI’s own demo showed subtle yet critical differences when switching to a transparent version.
• Designers relying on clean, layer-ready assets may find this feature unreliable.

It Can’t Maintain Consistent Characters

Whether it’s a person, a pet, or a fictional figure, GPT-4o can’t reliably preserve visual consistency.

• Generating multiple images of the same dog resulted in drastically different variations.
• Simple prompts like “make me more muscular” created a completely new person, not just a modified version.
• Even minor scene changes (like adding a castle) altered structural features.

Struggles with Scene Insertion for Real People

GPT-4o is currently unreliable for inserting real individuals into other scenes (e.g., in front of landmarks).

• Results feature distorted facial structure, altered body types, and clothing changes.
  
  
• Even with high-quality source photos, the person is rarely recognizable in the new scene.
• For travel mockups or visual storytelling with real faces, this is a dealbreaker.

Won’t Render Celebrities or Copyrighted Characters

OpenAI has strict content filtering that limits image generation involving public figures or IP-sensitive material.

• Attempts to generate Tom Brady or Taylor Swift (even under aliases) were blocked.
• GPT-4o also refuses characters like Spider-Man, even with disguised prompts (e.g., “guy in red-and-blue costume”).
• This is likely a protective measure for copyright compliance, but it limits creative flexibility.

Background Removal Alters Real Faces

Trying to remove the background from a photo often leads to unintended distortions.

• Real faces become generic or subtly altered.
  
  
• Clothing and body parts may also shift, even when not prompted to change.
  
  
• This makes GPT-4o unfit for precision background tasks, especially with professional portraits or product shots.

Refuses to Process Photos of Children

Even harmless requests, like removing a background from a family photo, are blocked if the image contains children.

• GPT-4o won’t generate results, likely as a safety measure.
• While well-intentioned, it can be overly restrictive for parents or content creators wanting to edit family images.

Additional Observations

• Misinformation Risks: If future versions improve facial realism, GPT-4o could be used to create believable but false narratives or political content (e.g., fake arguments, doctored news photos).
• Best for Fictional Content: GPT-4o performs better with anime, fantasy, or stylized scenes.
• Alternative Tools Are Still Superior: For character consistency and controlled editing, platforms like MidJourney and OpenArt remain ahead.

Conclusion

GPT-4o’s image generation is an exciting innovation—but it’s not the end-all for image creation.

Whether you’re a designer, content creator, or curious AI enthusiast, it’s important to understand the current limitations of this technology:

• It can’t consistently edit or maintain real-world details.
• It fails with celebrity or IP-sensitive prompts.
• It blocks even benign edits to real images of children.
• Its background handling and character consistency fall short for many professional needs.

Use GPT-4o creatively—but keep your expectations in check.

If you’re exploring how AI can enhance your creative or operational workflows, our team at 42RobotsAI can help you navigate the right tools for your needs.

Schedule a Free AI Consultation to discover how we integrate advanced AI solutions that go far beyond basic prompt-based tools.